St. Teresa Church Marks 100 Years of Community Service

St. Teresa of the Infant Jesus R.C. Church, located in Castleton Corners, Staten Island, has been a central part of the community for a century. The church was founded in 1926 and has grown into one of Staten Island’s most active Catholic places of worship.

The centennial celebration took place last Sunday, with parishioners gathering at LiGreci’s Staaten for a luncheon that included sharing memories, honoring local families, and celebrating the church’s legacy of faith and service.

Monsignor William Belford, pastor of the church, welcomed attendees and highlighted the significance of the anniversary. He noted that the event also served as a way to celebrate friendships, unity, and the future of the parish.

Belford acknowledged four individuals being honored for their contributions to the church and community: Dr. Daniel and Debbie Messina, Rich Nellis, and Suja Perera. He thanked them for their years of service and support.

Dr. Daniel Messina, recently retired after 12 years as president and CEO of Richmond University Medical Center, has also been involved in establishing a regional Multiple Sclerosis Center at CentraState Healthcare System. His wife, Debbie, has been active in community initiatives and the Richmond University Medical Center Auxiliary.

Rich Nellis, an associate vice president at the National Baseball Association, has spent over two decades in leadership roles and has been deeply involved in Staten Island’s soccer community for nearly 20 years. He continues to run the Staten Island Soccer Club and supports the church’s livestream ministry.

Suja Perera, who moved to Staten Island from Washington, D.C., has become an active member of the church and community. She serves as a leader in Boy Scouts Troop 37 and has been involved in various church programs, including the CCD program and altar servers.